The Junior School Symposium
The second Junior School Symposium with James Allen’s Prep School proved to be just as successful as the first, with children mingling across both schools for the day. The theme this year was ‘Time,’ and the children moved round a succession of activities through the day exploring this in many different contexts.
Teachers from both Junior and Senior Schools plus outside providers for the headline events ensured a range of challenging, thought provoking sessions for all. If anyone was feeling apprehensive about working with new children in a different group their fears were quickly dispelled; discussions became lively as confidence increased. Popping into a number of sessions at both schools it was lovely to see groups of girls and boys working really constructively together, focussed, engaged and thoughtful. By the end of the day, every child had experienced a range of challenges that included exploring time through: thinking, exploring, problem solving, discussion, debate, analysis, evaluation and creating. Many activities including the drumming at JAPS and the speed stackers at Dulwich College quickly became firm favourites, the latter quite possibly inspired by the short clip of the champion speed stacker who is a pupil at Dulwich College Singapore.
A rapidly growing aspect of the day is strengthening links with other schools in the Dulwich College community around the world. Dulwich College Singapore hosted their second day too, also on the theme of Time and Dulwich College Seoul hosted their inaugural event that was also a resounding success. Short films created by talented crews in each school were then circulated so that all the children could connect with their peers around the world. This growing bond around such an exciting initiative makes it a truly global event that I know we all wish to develop further over the next few years.
Francesca Southern
Deputy Head Academic
Reflections from the children:
It was fascinating to learn about the Mayan language and civilisation- even though they lived so long ago they knew so much. The Physics talk was mind blowing but amazing at the same time. Altogether I had a great day. Thank you.
In a Philosophy session we really expanded our thinking and minds- until they couldn’t expand any more.
I really enjoyed the Science show at the end. Everybody came out saying that they had brain freeze because it was so challenging but I didn’t find it that bad. I learned that the faster pace you’re living at, the shorter you’ll think time feels. Speed Stacking requited huge skill. I wouldn’t exactly call myself a speed stacker (yet) I’m more of a medium stacker. Overall it was a brilliant day.
It was a nice change to have the JAGS girls here, it’s different when they are here. I learned a lot about adaptation in Survival of the Fittest, Ancient civilisations and complicated physics. Thank you to everyone involved in the symposium. I absolutely loved it, it was my favourite symposium.
I really enjoyed making the sand timers in the DT room because it was quite practical and I had to think about how to design one that would work. It made me wonder what it would be like to have only sand timers, and maybe the sun, to help us tell the time. I also enjoyed the Survival of the Fittest session where I learned about adaptation, visible and invisible genes. I found it very inspiring. I think that Mrs Southern organised a great symposium with great teachers, cool activities and- girls!
